Teacher Idea Factory

Teacher Idea Factory

NO-PREP COMMON CORE MATH CENTERS + GIVEAWAY – YES PLEASE!

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I don’t know about all you alls, but coming up with new items to toss into math tubs/centers is taking countless hours as of late.  I am always looking for new activities that require very little prep to help balance out the games that I make or buy on TPT {my mini laminator just can’t take the volume . . . nor can my cutting hand}.  With this said, I stumbled across a great set of pre-made math centers from EAI Education.  I cannot tell you how easy they made my life this week, but don’t take my word for it . . . check out my kids in action . . . 

There are a ton of different sets to choose from {Grades 1-4} and they all investigate essential math questions that are aligned to the all-mighty common core standards.  I decided to try out the Pattern Block – Grade 1 Set.  

My kids are all about the pattern blocks this year.  When I saw that I could insert standards into this love affair, I just had to treat myself to this center set. Well, I wasn’t disappointed as my babes were ALL over them this week.  

This little guy loved this mat.  He did it like five times!
The goal was to build the turtle in multiple ways.

I began by putting a few of the boards in a reading center as an “I’m Done” activity.  I wanted to let them explore a few on their own (outside of math center/tub time).  This proved to be a wonderful decision as they were quiet and engaged while others finished their work.  They were so into these that during other “early finish” times throughout the day, my kiddos asked to play with these mats instead of computers . . . obviously, they are a draw . . . SCORE! 

The teamwork that these activities managed to elicit was epic.  Not only were they working together (not something that always happens easily in my class this year), but the math lingo they were using was stellar!  

Everyone loved the birthday cake card.
They had to build it by looking at the picture.
There wasn’t a card to lay it on – tricky, tricky 🙂
Classic teamwork pictured here!
The boards cover everything from fractions and word problems to composing shapes and counting.  The variety is really nice.  You also get a set of dry erase pens as well as all of the other elements that you may need to play the various games – student pattern block sets, dice, game pieces, etc.  Yup . . . ZERO PREP, my friends . . . sigh 🙂
This little darlin’ loved the animal cards.
Some have lines some don’t . . . love the differentiation 🙂
These Hands-On Math Centers definitely made the cut and they are now going to be a part of our afternoon math tubs/centers.  I plan on changing out the cards every couple of weeks.  There are 16 total cards to choose from.   
Here’s my tub . . . all stuffed and ready to go!
The kids are going to love this rotation 🙂
Are you interested in learning more about the new Hands-On Math Centers that EAI Education has to offer??  CLICK HERE to check out the various CCSS resource kits for grades 1-4.
BUT WAIT . . . wanna win a set??  Yeah, buddy!  I teamed up with EAI Education and they are letting me give away a Hands-On Math Center to one lucky winner. The best part is . . . you get to choose which set you want!  Simply complete the easy peasy Rafflecopter below.  I will announce the BIG winner on Sunday 🙂 Good luck to ya and thanks for visiting!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments

  11. Amanda says

    That's a tough one!! I think if I had to narrow it down…to two!…I'd choose the Pattern Block set or the Color Tiles set! Thanks for sharing this resource with us!

  23. Jana says

    These look great. They also look like they cover a lot of the different skills that are taught and can be integrated with the different concepts taught. 🙂

  30. megan9480 says

    Hi there…I would love the geo shapes because we will be starting that soon and I feel the same way as you about math tubs. I am always looking for new math tubs that do not take a lot of prep. Pick me please.

  44. bourneyo16 says

    I would love the first grade money set. Thanks so much for doing this! I never heard of this company, now I'm going to have to check them out!

  48. Roxy says

    I would love the first grade GeoModel solids set! This would be a great tool to use when teaching 3D shapes!~

  66. hsease says

    I would LOVE the Hands-On Math Centers: GeoModel® Solids – Grade 2!! I am struggling to find things for teaching my Geometry unit and this would be great!!

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